ES3055275T3 - Juicer module for a preparation vessel and a kitchen appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a juicing module (1) for interaction with a preparation container (3) having at least one rotating tool holder (2), comprising at least one drive interface (8) and at least one juicing tool (9), wherein the juicing tool (9) can be connected to the drive interface (8) so that a rotation of the drive interface (9) can effect a rotation of at least a part of the juicing tool (9). A food juicing aid, the handling of which reduces the effort required by the user and at the same time eliminates the need for an additional device, is achieved by virtue of the following: the juicing tool (9) having at least one guide body (9b) and at least one sieve unit (9a); relative movement between the guide body (9b) and the sieve unit (9a) being effected by rotation of the drive interface (8); and the guide body (9b) and the sieve unit (9a) being designed and arranged such that relative movement between the guide body (9b) and the sieve unit (9a) allows food to be juiced to be transported to a conical space (14) between the guide body (9b) and the sieve unit (9a) to exert a pressing force on the food.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Juicer module for a preparation container and a cooking appliance

[0003] The invention relates to a juicing module designed to interact with a preparation container having at least one rotating tool holder. The preparation container is part of, for example, a kitchen appliance for food preparation. The juicing module comprises at least one drive interface and at least one juicing tool. The juicing tool can be connected or is connected to the drive interface, such that a rotation of the drive interface enables the generation of a rotation of at least a portion of the juicing tool.

[0004] For many people, a healthy diet is a fundamental part of their daily routine. Numerous auxiliary devices are known in the prior art for juicing foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. These typically involve manual tools, such as citrus juicers or hand graters for apples or vegetables. Numerous electric juicing devices are also available, which crush or press the food to be juiced and essentially separate the resulting liquid from the solid components.

[0005] However, the auxiliary devices or apparatus known in the state of the art have the disadvantage that, on the one hand, the user must apply considerable physical effort and spend a lot of time, or — in the case of electric centrifugal juicers — an apparatus intended exclusively for juicing must be stored, as revealed, for example, in document KR 2006/0101848 A.

[0006] A complementary juice-pressing assembly for a kitchen machine with a mixing bowl is known from document DE 202021105191 U1. By applying pressure to the citrus fruit to be squeezed, which is arranged on a juicing cone, the juice is extracted from the citrus fruit. The juice thus obtained passes through a sieve to separate it from the fruit residue.

[0007] Patents CN 111345707 A and US 2022/240708 A1 disclose a juicer comprising a crushing unit and a separation unit. The food to be juiced is crushed in the crushing unit. To preserve the color and components of the food in the juice, patent CN 111345707 A further proposes performing the crushing under vacuum. The mixture of juice and food residue is conveyed, in both cases, to a separator. The juicing accessories disclosed in each case are connectable to a specific appliance base for that juicing accessory.

[0008] EP 3895584 A1 discloses a juicing container for a juicer incorporating a juicing tool. WO 2010/007290 A2 discloses a juicer with a juicing base and a juicing container that can be placed on said base, which incorporates a juicing tool. US 2017/0105565 A1 discloses a juicing device that can be driven by two independent motors. The juice is collected by means of a collection surface and directed laterally to the outside. US 2014/0130685 A1 discloses a juicing container designed to be placed on a driven juicing base. DE 102019212732 A1 discloses a gear unit for a kitchen machine. The present invention aims to provide an auxiliary device for juicing food, the handling of which requires less physical effort on the part of the user and which does not require an additional apparatus.

[0009] This objective is achieved, in a generic type juicer module, by the content of the characteristics of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0010] Many households already use cooking appliances that have a preparation bowl with at least one rotating tool holder. For example, these are appliances designed for food preparation. The preparation bowl has a volume into which the prepared food is placed. At the bottom of the bowl, there is usually a rotating tool holder or a tool attached to such a holder. When the preparation bowl is inserted into the cooking appliance, the tool holder can be rotated by a motor in the appliance, preferably with variable speeds.

[0011] The tool holder includes, for example, a shaft passing through the preparation container. In particular, this shaft can be coupled to the motor of the cooking appliance, at least indirectly, preferably by means of a form coupling. It is advantageously provided that a tool is attached to the tool holder or the shaft, either permanently or detachably. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the tool holder can be coupled to the motor by means of a rotary magnetic coupling.

[0012] The preparation container includes, for example, a tool attached to the support, intended for stirring and/or grinding food. It is also specifically provided that the preparation container has at least one heating element, preferably electric, with which the food placed in the container can be heated. The preparation container includes, for example, at least one electrical interface with the cooking appliance for the operation of the heating element.

[0013] The juicing module is designed to cooperate with a preparation container, so that it can be placed on top of said container, in particular on its upper rim. It is also envisaged that the juicing module can be inserted at least partially, and preferably completely, into the preparation container, preferably in the volume intended to hold food.

[0014] The juicing module comprises at least one drive interface and at least one juicing tool. The drive interface is configured and designed so that it can be coupled, at least indirectly, with the tool holder and/or the tool disposed in said holder of the preparation container, to transmit torque. Accordingly, the drive interface can be coupled, at least indirectly, with the rotating tool holder present in the preparation container, such that when the tool holder rotates, the drive interface also rotates. The drive interface is intended to interact to transmit torque solely with the tool holder, solely with the tool, or with both together.

[0015] The drive interface is rigidly and rotationally connected to at least a portion of the squeezing tool, such that rotation of the drive interface generates relative movement between the guide body and the sieving unit. The drive interface includes, for example, at least one drive shaft. This drive shaft is coupled, or can preferably be coupled, to the guide body or the sieving unit. For example, the drive interface is connected to the squeezing tool in such a way that the guide body is rotatable. Alternatively, the drive interface may also be connected to the squeezing tool in such a way that the sieving unit is rotatable.

[0016] The drive interface, in particular the drive shaft, and/or the sieving unit and/or the guide body are made, for example, of plastic or metal material, preferably stainless steel.

[0017] Cleaning is made easier by the fact that the drive interface, in particular the drive shaft, guide body, and/or sieving unit are interchangeable, preferably without tools. Specifically, at least the guide body and/or sieving unit are interchangeably mounted. It is also envisaged that the drive interface, in particular the drive shaft, may be permanently attached to the guide body.

[0018] Preferably, the juicing module is intended for use in cooking appliance preparation containers whose motor can operate at a speed of less than 200 revolutions per minute, and in particular less than 150 revolutions per minute. Furthermore, it is preferred that the cooking appliance motor be designed to provide a minimum torque of 12 Nm, in particular 15 Nm, and especially 18 Nm, for example, at a rotational speed of less than 200 rpm, preferably less than 150 rpm.

[0019] Compared to the prior art, the invention offers the advantage of allowing gentle juicing of a wide variety of foods. By applying a pressing force between the guide body and the sieving unit, good juice extraction is achieved. Because at least some of the components are detachable, cleaning effort is reduced.

[0020] According to a first embodiment of the juicing module, the guide body is or can be connected to the drive interface such that rotation of the drive interface causes rotation of the guide body, particularly relative to the sieving unit. Preferably, the sieving unit is arranged in a non-rotational manner. For example, the drive interface, in particular the drive shaft, is or can be coupled to the guide body.

[0021] The guide body, for example, has an essentially convex outer contour. For example, the diameter of the guide body increases continuously from its upper end in the assembled state until it reaches a maximum diameter. The maximum diameter is located, for example, at approximately one-third of the height of the guide body. In particular, the narrowest gap between the guide body and the sieving unit is formed in the area of the guide body's maximum diameter. Below the maximum diameter, the diameter of the guide body decreases again advantageously, allowing for the efficient expulsion of pressed food residue. For example, the transport body has a teardrop or pear shape. The shape of the transport body preferably corresponds to the shape of the transport body shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7 of document KR 2006/0101848 A, identified by reference number 20.

[0022] It is also contemplated that the transport body essentially has the shape of a cone, a cylinder, a sphere or an ellipsoid.

[0023] For example, the guide body has on its lower front face in the assembled state at least one transport protrusion, preferably a plurality of protrusions, to push the pressing remains towards a waste opening in the squeezer module housing.

[0024] Preferably, the conveying body is provided for having at least one conveying profile, particularly on its outer contour. The conveying profile preferably has ribs arranged in a helical shape. The distance between the ribs decreases downwards from the upper end of the guide body in the assembled state. Consequently, the helix angle decreases towards the larger diameter of the guide body. This allows the fed material to be conveyed downwards through the ribs, into the space, particularly the annular space between the sieving unit and the guide body, where it is progressively compressed as the conveying distance increases, and thus effectively squeezed. Preferably, the guide body is configured as a pressing screw, with one or more of the features described above. The sieving unit has, at least on its inner perimeter, a truncated cone shape that tapers downwards in the assembled state. Preferably, the sieving unit is arranged such that its diameter decreases as the diameter of the guide body increases.

[0025] It is especially preferred that the screening unit have, at least on its inner perimeter, a truncated cone shape, and that the transport profile of the conveying body have an outer shape such that it maintains an essentially constant radial distance from the screening unit. The transport profile is designed to complete the basic shape of the conveying body—for example, teardrop or pear-shaped—to form an essentially truncated conical, imaginary envelope. Thus, when the conveying body is inserted into the screening unit, the transport profile maintains a substantially constant radial distance from the inner surface of the screening unit. At the same time, the distance between the basic shape of the conveying body—for example, teardrop or pear-shaped—and the screening unit varies, particularly to create a progressively narrowing space for the pressing process.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the juicing module, the sieving unit includes at least one first sieve with first openings and at least one second sieve with second openings. The first sieve may be arranged inside the second sieve. It is considered particularly advantageous for both sieves to be conical in shape. Preferably, the first and second sieves have a truncated cone shape. This allows for optimal functional interaction with the previously described guide body, forming a progressively narrowing space designed for efficient juicing of food.

[0027] For example, the first and second sieves are designed so that they can be inserted into one another in at least two different orientations. The overlap between the first and second sieve openings varies depending on the orientation, so that the size of the resulting openings—and therefore the degree of sieving of the sieving unit—can be adjusted according to the type of food being pressed. Preferably, the sieving openings of the first and second sieves are configured as sieving slots arranged essentially horizontally. For example, by rotating the first sieve relative to the second sieve, the length of the resulting horizontal slots can be adjusted. Alternatively or additionally, the overlap of the sieving slots can also be adjusted by different insertion depths of the first sieve into the second sieve.

[0028] For example, the second sieve has at least one support step on its underside, preferably a plurality of steps with different heights. The first sieve has support recesses on its underside into which the steps of the second sieve can fit. By means of these defined and distinct support positions, two different orientations with predefined space dimensions for the horizontal screening slots can be established. Advantageously, by rotating the first sieve relative to the second sieve, the combinations of support recesses and support steps can be modified, allowing the overlap of the screening slots of the first and second sieves to be adjusted. In this way, the screening unit can offer different degrees of filtration without the need for additional components.

[0029] A further embodiment of the juicing module includes at least one housing. Preferably, the housing contains at least the sieving unit and the guide body. The housing has at least one opening for a lid, at least one juice outlet, at least one opening for waste, and a lid. The lid is designed to close the corresponding opening. To absorb axial forces from the juicing mechanism in the lid, a snap-fit connection can be formed between the lid and the housing in the axial direction about the axis of rotation of the juicing mechanism. A bayonet fitting between the housing and the lid has proven particularly advantageous.

[0030] To effectively secure the juicer module, in particular the housing, to or within the preparation container or to the base of the cooking appliance, the juicer module is designed to fit snugly with the preparation container and/or the base of the cooking appliance, specifically so that, in the assembled state, it engages by interlocking with the preparation container or the base of the appliance. For example, the juicer module, in particular the housing and/or a waste container, has at least one fastening means, preferably a plurality of fastening means, to secure the juicer module to a handle of the preparation container and/or a carrying handle of the base of the cooking appliance. The fastening means are preferably designed to engage by interlocking with a handle of the preparation container and/or a carrying handle of the base of the appliance, in particular to prevent the juicer module from moving out of the preparation container during operation.

[0031] It is specifically envisaged that the juicing module, in particular the housing and/or a waste container, is designed to engage by snapping into a contour of the preparation container, for example, with an upper edge of the preparation container, which is advantageous in preventing axial displacement during operation. Alternatively, it is preferably envisaged that the juicing module, in particular the housing and/or the waste container, has fastening means by which it can be tensioned by friction against an inner wall of the preparation container.

[0032] Preferably, the juice outlet is arranged so that it extends laterally from the housing. The juice outlet has, for example, at least one shut-off valve, which allows the juice outlet to be closed. Between the juice outlet and the shut-off valve, there is, for example, at least one sealing gasket. The bottom of the housing preferably has a slope, which, when mounted on the preparation vessel, directs the juice towards the outlet.

[0033] At the bottom of the casing, for example, there is at least one waste opening through which pressing residue can be evacuated from the casing, in particular into a waste container located below the casing. The waste opening may be partially or fully closed or opened by means of a sliding waste closure element. Preferably, a sealing gasket is provided between the sliding closure element and the casing to prevent unwanted leakage of juice or residue from inside the casing. Preferably, the closure element of the waste opening is mounted on or guided over the waste container, in particular pivotally or movably.

[0034] For example, it is envisaged that the guide body rests on the cover for rotation, in particular that it is rotatably mounted on the cover, for example, by means of a plain bearing. For example, the guide body has a support projection that fits into a support recess provided in the cover of the housing.

[0035] The lid preferably has at least one filling nozzle with an inlet funnel. The filling nozzle is positioned so as to allow the food to be squeezed to be introduced between the guide body and the sieving unit. By rotating the guide body, the food is conveyed into the narrowing space between the sieving unit and the guide body, and is squeezed by a pressing force.

[0036] To enhance user safety during operation of the juicer module, a further embodiment provides that the lid is designed to interact with at least two lid supports. These lid supports are preferably located on the sides of the juicer module housing. Preferably, in the assembled state, the lid supports rest at least partially on the top of the lid and on an edge of the waste container. The lid supports are arranged, for example, on opposite sides of the housing. They are designed to interact with the clamping rollers of a kitchen appliance. These clamping rollers are typically used to lock a preparation lid to the preparation container. When interacting with the lid supports, the lid supports offer a defined resistance to the clamping rollers, enabling the kitchen appliance to detect, via the rollers, whether the lid supports are correctly mounted.

[0037] It is intended that the lid supports can only be mounted on the lid when it is correctly installed, specifically locked to the housing. It is also intended that the cooking appliance may, for example, display an error message and/or that the juicer module cannot be started if the lid supports are not detected.

[0038] Preferably, the juicing module has at least one waste container. This container is arranged, for example, below the juicing mechanism, i.e., below the guide body and the sieving unit. For example, the waste container may be arranged below the housing. In particular, the housing may be placed over the waste container. The waste container is designed, for example, so that it can be inserted at least partially, and preferably completely, into the preparation container, especially within the food volume of the preparation container.

[0039] Preferably, the waste container has at least two gripping elements, which, when assembled, extend outwards from the preparation container. The gripping elements are preferably arranged on opposite sides of each other.

[0040] In particular, the waste container is shaped to extend along a portion of the height of the preparation container, preferably approximately half the height of the internal volume intended for food. Preferably, the waste container is supported wrap-around for at least a portion of its height against an inner wall of the preparation container. For example, the waste container has at least one recess that engages by interlocking with at least one protrusion on an inner wall of the preparation container to prevent rotation of the waste container within the preparation container. Preferably, the waste container has a plurality of recesses that engage by interlocking with a plurality of protrusions on the inner wall of the preparation container. The waste container has, for example, a central through-hole through which a drive interface, in particular a drive shaft, can pass. A further embodiment of the juicing module includes at least one separate juice container. For example, the juice container can be mounted on the waste container, for instance, by hanging it from two hooks. Similarly, the juice container can be hung, clipped, or secured to the waste container or housing by snapping or pressing. Preferably, the juice container is designed so that, when mounted on the waste container, it rests at least partially on a handle of the preparation container. The juice container is preferably positioned below a juice outlet opening in the juicer module housing.

[0041] To improve its use with cooking appliances whose motor speed is not adjustable or is only adjustable within narrow ranges, it has been shown to be advantageous, according to a further embodiment, for the system to include at least one gear unit (transmission unit). The gear unit has at least one adapter element, for interacting at least indirectly with the tool holder of the preparation vessel, as well as at least one output interface. The gear unit is designed to transform a high rotational speed at the adapter element into a lower speed at the output interface. The output interface has, for example, at least one shaft.

[0042] The gear unit, for example, has a housing by which it can be at least partially inserted into the preparation container. Preferably, the gear unit can be fully inserted into the preparation container so that it is positioned between the tool holder and the waste container of the juicer module. The gear unit housing preferably has at least one recess in its outer contour, which can interlock with protrusions on the inner wall of the preparation container to prevent rotation of the gear unit relative to the container during operation. Preferably, the gear unit housing has a plurality of recesses, which can interlock with a plurality of protrusions on the inner wall of the preparation container. The adapter element can be connected directly or indirectly to the tool holder of the preparation container. If the working element inside the preparation container is removable, it is preferable that the adapter element can be directly attached, in particular by interlocking, to the tool holder. If the working element is not removable, it is preferable that the adapter element interacts with it by interlocking, so that the rotation of the working element can be transmitted to the adapter element. The output interface is designed to interlock, particularly to transmit torque, with the drive interface. For example, an outer square is provided on the output interface, specifically on one of its shafts, while an inner square is provided on the drive interface of the juicing module. Consequently, the gear unit is positioned in the chain of rotating components between the working element or its support and the juicing mechanism.

[0043] Preferably, the coupling point between the drive interface and the output interface of the gear unit is arranged at least partially within the central through-hole of the waste container. This ensures a very compact arrangement within the preparation container.

[0044] A further embodiment of the juicer module provides that the gear unit includes at least one housing and at least two gears. The gears are arranged within the housing and are coupled respectively to the adapter element and the output interface. The size ratio between the gears is designed such that a high rotational speed in the adapter element is converted into a lower speed at the output interface.

[0045] It has been shown to be particularly advantageous for at least one gear to be configured as a sun gear and at least three gears to be configured as planetary gears. Overall, the transmission unit advantageously features at least four gears. The planetary gears have a larger diameter than the sun gear. Preferably, the adapter element has a drive shaft to which the sun gear is rigidly fixed for rotation, so that it can rotate at the speed of the tool holder or the working element of the preparation vessel. The sun gear is arranged centrally between the three planetary gears and directly drives them. The planetary gears rotate within a ring gear. They are connected by support shafts to an upper and a lower planetary carrier. The connection is preferably secured by retaining rings. The upper planetary carrier is coupled to the output interface. The adapter element and the output interface are preferably mounted by means of sliding bearings within the housing. Preferably, a radial shaft seal (radial retainer) is provided at the upper end of the output shaft to prevent juice from dripping into the gear unit housing. Preferably, the gear unit is configured to transform a torque of approximately 2 Nm at about 1100 revolutions per minute into a torque of approximately 18 Nm at 122 revolutions per minute.

[0046] The task mentioned at the beginning is also accomplished by a cooking appliance, in particular for food preparation, as described in the exemplary embodiments. The cooking appliance comprises at least an appliance base with at least one control unit, at least one motor, in particular for driving a tool in a preparation container, as well as at least one preparation container and at least one juicer module according to one of the described embodiments. The preparation container can advantageously be arranged inside or on the base of the cooking appliance.

[0047] According to a first embodiment of the kitchen appliance, the appliance is provided for having at least two clamping rollers. The clamping rollers are movable between an open position and a locked position. At least two lid supports may be arranged on the lid of the juicer module such that, in the locked state, each lid support interacts with one of the clamping rollers. When the clamping rollers move from their open position to the locked position, they automatically come into contact with the respective lid support, which acts as a resisting element against the clamping rollers.

[0048] Preferably, the control unit of the cooking appliance is configured to send an error message to the user, for example, via a display device, when the lid supports are not present in the locking position of the clamping rollers. This occurs particularly when the clamping rollers do not encounter sufficient mechanical resistance while rotating to the locking position. A display device can be, for example, a screen integrated into the cooking appliance or a mobile data processing device belonging to the user, such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0049] A further embodiment of the cooking appliance provides that the control unit is configured and designed to display to the user, based on recipe data, adjustment parameters related to the juicing mechanism, particularly with regard to the sieving unit and/or the waste opening, especially concerning the position of the waste opening slider. To date, no recipe-controlled food juicing system is known. It is also envisaged that the user will be shown adjustment parameters related to the motor power level, based on recipe data.

[0050] Recipe data is stored, for example, on a storage medium readable by the cooking appliance and/or can be received or retrieved by the cooking appliance via a data interface, for example, by means of a local data connection from a user's mobile device, such as a smartphone, or via the Internet from a server.

[0051] The user is shown, for example, adjustment parameters related to the sieving unit, such as the orientation of the first sieve relative to the second sieve, in order to adjust the degree of sieving. In addition, the user is shown a predefined opening position for the residue opening, adapted to the specific food product.

[0052] The cooking appliance can be controlled, for example, by a cooking program for preparing a dish according to a predefined recipe, based on recipe data. During the process, the appliance informs the user about the next steps to be taken for preparation. In this case, the user may be prompted to insert the juicing module with a specific juicing tool. If the cooking appliance detects the insertion or if it is confirmed by the user, the motor is activated at a predetermined rotation speed, which is set by the cooking program's control instructions based on the recipe data.

[0053] It is also contemplated to equip the waste opening slider, by means of which the degree of opening of said opening can be adjusted, with an actuator, so that the size of the waste opening can be regulated by the control unit according to the prescription data.

[0054] A further embodiment of the kitchen appliance provides that the control unit is configured and designed to display to the user, via a display device, updated adjustment parameters of the juicing mechanism, particularly in relation to the sieving unit and/or the waste opening, when an obstruction in the rotation of the juicing mechanism is detected, caused by the food being juiced, especially by monitoring the motor current. The user is shown, for example, the indication to enlarge the waste opening or to select larger openings in the sieving unit by readjusting the orientation between the first and second sieves.

[0055] A further embodiment of the cooking appliance provides that the control unit is configured and designed to operate the motor of the cooking appliance during a juicing process using recipe data, with a predetermined motor power, i.e., at a previously defined motor power level. The recipe data includes, for example, control instructions for the control unit, in order to operate the motor or other components with defined parameters.

[0056] In particular, the control unit is configured and designed to increase motor power when an obstruction in the rotation of the juicing mechanism is detected, for example, by monitoring the motor current. If the control unit detects, for example, that the motor current remains at a very high level for an extended period, indicating high resistance or pressure in the juicing mechanism, the motor power will be automatically increased.

[0057] The invention also relates to a preparation container for a cooking appliance, with at least one rotating tool holder and a juicer module that can be at least partially inserted into the preparation container, according to one of the described embodiments.

[0058] Other advantageous designs of the invention are derived from the following description of the figures and the dependent claims.

[0059] They show:

[0060] Fig. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a juicer module in at least a partially sectioned side view. Fig. 2 shows another example of an embodiment of a juicer module in at least a partially sectioned side view. Figs. 3a to 3d show an example of an embodiment of a sieving unit.

[0061] Fig. 4 a perspective view of a juicer module.

[0062] Fig. 5a is an example of an embodiment of a gear unit viewed from the outside.

[0063] Fig. 5b is an exploded view of the gear unit according to Fig. 5a.

[0064] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of the control processes of the control unit of a cooking appliance. In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols. Fig. 1 shows an example embodiment of a juicer module (1) for interaction with a preparation container (3), which has at least one rotating tool holder (2). The preparation container (3), in this embodiment, includes a tool (4) fixedly mounted on the tool holder (2), in the form of a mixing and cutting blade. The preparation container (3) can be inserted at least partially into a cooking appliance base (5) of a cooking appliance (6). The cooking appliance (6) includes a motor (7) for rotating the tool holder (2) and, consequently, the tool (4), when the container is attached to the base of the cooking appliance (5). For power supply, the cooking appliance (6) has a connection plug (6a). The cooking appliance (6) can be controlled, for example, by means of an input element (6b), here in the form of a push-button rotary switch.

[0065] The juicing module (1) comprises at least one drive interface (8) and at least one juicing tool (9). The juicing tool (9) is connected to the drive interface (8) such that rotation of the drive interface (8) can cause at least a portion of the juicing tool (9) to rotate. In this embodiment, the drive interface (8) comprises a drive shaft (10) and a tool adapter (11). The drive shaft (10) of the drive interface (8) is rotatably mounted in the housing (25) and is positively connected to the juicing tool (9). The tool adapter (11) is also connected to the drive shaft (10) and positively interacts with the tool (4), such that rotation of the tool (4) causes rotation of the juicing tool (9).

[0066] The squeezing tool (9) comprises a guide body (9b) and at least one sieving unit (9a). When the drive interface (8) is rotated by the tool (4) or the tool holder (2), the guide body (9b) rotates about a rotation axis (R), while the sieving unit (9a) does not. The relationship between the guide body (9b) and the sieving unit (9a) generates a pressing force on the food to be squeezed. The food is introduced through a filling funnel (13), which is connected to a lid (12), into a space (14) between the sieving unit (9a) and the guide body (9b). The guide body (9b) comprises an external conveying contour (15) and is configured as a pressing screw. The conveying contour (15) is helical and extends around the guide body (9b) in a threaded fashion, with a downward-sloping thread.

[0067] The sieving unit (9a) has, in cross-section, the shape of a truncated cone. By rotating the guide body (9b), the food to be squeezed is transported by the transport contour (15) into the inverted cone-shaped space (14) between the guide body (9b) and the sieving unit (9a), where it is released from the juice by the pressure exerted in that area.

[0069] The guide body (9b) has an essentially convex outer contour, the diameter of which increases from top to bottom, according to the assembly shown in Fig. 1. The maximum diameter is reached approximately at the lower third of the guide body. Below the maximum diameter, the diameter of the guide body (9b) decreases again, allowing the pressed food residue to be expelled. Transport projections (17) are formed on the lower front face (16) of the guide body (9b), by which the pressed residue can be conveyed to a waste collection container (18) located below.

[0071] The waste collection container (18) is at least partially inserted into the preparation container (3). The waste collection container (18) has a central passage (19) for the drive shaft (10). In addition, the waste collection container (18) has recesses (20) on its outer perimeter that interact with unshown projections on an inner wall of the preparation container (3), in order to prevent the waste collection container (18) from rotating during operation.

[0073] The sieving unit (9a) is shown in detail in Figures 3a to 3d, as an example. According to Fig. 1 and Figs. 3a to 3d, the sieving unit (9a) has a first sieve (21) with first sieving openings (22) and a second sieve (23) with second sieving openings (24). The first sieve (21) and the second sieve (23) are conically shaped like a truncated cone, with diameters that decrease towards the bottom of the sieve. The first sieve (21) can be placed inside the second sieve (23). The sieving openings (22, 24) are designed so that, by relative movement of the first sieve (21) with respect to the second sieve (23)—specifically, a rotation—the overlap of the openings (22, 24) can be adjusted in at least two different orientations. The first sieving openings (22) and the second sieving openings (24) are configured as sieving slots arranged essentially in a horizontal orientation. By changing the orientation of the first sieve (21) with respect to the second sieve (23), the overlap between the openings (22, 24) can be adjusted, and thus the size of the resulting sieving steps—i.e., the degree of sieving. Depending on the food being pressed, the sieve can be adjusted to be finer or coarser without the need for additional components.

[0075] Fig. 4 shows another example of an embodiment of a juicing module (1) in an external perspective view. The juicing tool (9) is arranged inside a housing (25). The housing (25) has at least one opening for a lid (26), which can be closed by means of the lid (12). At the bottom, the housing (25) includes a juice outlet (27) that extends laterally outwards. The juice outlet (27) is equipped with a juice gate (27a). The juice gate (27a) has a seal, not shown, and serves to close the juice outlet (27). At the bottom of the housing (25), a waste opening (28), visible at least partially in Fig. 1, is provided, through which the pressing residue can be conveyed to the waste collection container (18). To allow a transmission of force parallel to the axis of rotation (R) between the cover (12) and the housing (25), a bayonet closure (29) has been arranged between the two components.

[0077] According to Fig. 4, lid fasteners (30) are arranged on opposite sides of the housing (25). These fasteners can only be mounted when the lid (12) is correctly positioned on the housing (25) and, in particular, when the bayonet lock (29) (see Fig. 1) is locked. In the mounted state, the lid fasteners (30) rest on an upper face of the lid (12) and, at least partially, on an edge of the waste collection container (18). The lid fasteners (30) are arranged facing each other on the housing (25) and extend vertically at least partially parallel to the housing (25). The lid fasteners (30) are designed to interact with retaining rollers —not shown— of a cooking appliance (6), so that the presence of the lid fasteners (30) can be detected by means of these rollers, thereby verifying the correct closure of the housing (25).

[0079] Fig. 2 shows another example of a juicer module (1), configured essentially according to the example in Fig. 1. The corresponding components are identified with the same part numbers. For power supply, the cooking appliance (6) has a connection plug (6a). The cooking appliance (6) can be controlled, for example, by means of an input element (6b), here in the form of a push-button rotary knob.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a gear unit (32) is arranged below the waste collection container (18) within the preparation container (3), which is again shown separately in Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b. The gear unit (32) has at least one adapter element (33) for positive interaction with the tool holder (2) or the tool (4) of the preparation container (3). The rotation of the tool holder (2) or the tool (4) is transmitted to the gear unit (32) via the adapter element (33). The gear unit (32) also has an output interface (34), which is coupled to the drive interface (8) of the juicer module (1) on the drive shaft (10). For this purpose, the drive interface (8) on the drive shaft (10) has, for example, an inner square, while the output interface (34) has an outer square.

[0082] The gear unit (32) is designed to transform a high rotational speed in the adapter element (33) into a lower speed at the outlet interface (34). The gear unit (32) can be fully inserted into the preparation vessel (3). To prevent rotation of the gear unit (32) within the preparation vessel (3), the gear unit (32) has notches (35) on its outer perimeter that interact positively with corresponding projections—not shown—on the inner surface of the preparation vessel (3). The outer square at the outlet interface (34) is shown in Fig. 5a.

[0083] The rotation of the tool (4), generated by the motor (7) of the cooking appliance (6), is transmitted to a first shaft (36) of the adapter element (33). The first shaft (36) is coupled to a gear configured as a sun wheel (37). The sun wheel (37) therefore rotates at the same speed as the adapter element (33). The sun wheel (37) is centrally positioned between three gears configured as planet gears (38), so that the sun wheel (37) meshes with the three planet gears (38). The planet gears (38) are guided within a ring gear (39).

[0084] The planetary gears (38) are rotatably mounted by shafts (40) on an upper and lower planet carrier (41). The connection is secured by retaining rings (40a). The first shaft (36), as well as the output interface (34), are mounted by sliding bearings (42) in the housing (46) of the gear unit (32). The output interface (34) has a shaft (34a) that runs at least partially within a cylindrical projection (46a) of the housing (46). The upper planet carrier (41), facing the output interface (34), is connected to and drives said interface (34). A radial shaft seal (43), disposed between the drive interface (34) and the housing (46), prevents juice from entering the gear unit (32).

[0085] According to Fig. 2, the gear unit (32) allows the guide body (9b) to rotate at a considerably lower speed than the speed at which the adapter element (33) is driven by the tool holder (2) or the tool (4) via the motor (7) of the kitchen appliance (6). Thanks to this configuration, the juicer module (1) can also be used with kitchen appliances (6) whose motor (7) does not allow the rotation speed to be adjusted or only allows it within narrow ranges.

[0086] According to Fig. 4, a juice container (44) can be arranged on the outside of the preparation container (3). This container is suspended from the waste collection container (18) and rests at least partially on a handle (45) of the preparation container (3). The waste collection container (18) has two gripping pieces (31) arranged opposite each other, which, in the operating state, are outside the preparation container (3). The juice container (44) has a support arm (44a) that can be attached, in particular suspended, from a gripping piece (31) of the waste collection container (18). In this way, the juice container (44) can be positioned below the juice outlet (27) so that, when the juice gate (27a) is opened, the juice flows into the container (44).

[0087] According to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the guide body (9b) is rotatably mounted between the housing (25) and the cover (12). For mounting on the cover (12), the guide body has a support projection (48) and the cover (12) has a support recess (49). A sliding bearing is arranged between the support projection (48) and the support recess (49).

[0088] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the control processes for an example embodiment of a control unit (100) for a cooking appliance (6). The control unit (100) of the cooking appliance (6) is designed and configured to display updated adjustment parameters of the juicing tool (9) to the user on a display device (47) (reference 101) when an obstruction in the rotation of the juicing tool (9) is detected (reference 103), in particular by monitoring (102) the motor current. The updated adjustment parameters include, for example, instructing the user to adjust the sieving unit (9a) and/or the waste opening (28), for example, by increasing the number of sieving steps or by widening the waste opening.

[0089] According to Fig. 6, the control unit (100) is further designed and configured to drive the motor (7) with a predetermined power, using recipe data (104) for a juicing process (105). Furthermore, the control unit (100) is designed and configured to increase the power of the motor (7) (reference 106) when an obstruction in the rotation of the juicing tool (9), for example, of the conveyor body (9b), is detected, in particular by monitoring (102) the motor current, and such obstruction is recognized (reference 103).

[0090] List of references

[0091] 1 juicer module

[0092] 2 tool holder

[0093] 3 preparation container

[0094] 4 tool

[0095] 5 base of the cooking appliance

[0096] 6 kitchen appliance

[0097] 6a connection plug

[0098] 6b input element

[0099] 7 motor

[0100] 8 drive interface

[0101] 9 juicing tool

[0102] 9th screening unit

[0103] 9b guide body

[0104] 10 drive shaft

[0105] 11 tool adapter

[0106] 12 lid

[0107] 13 filling funnel

[0108] 14 space

[0109] 15 transport contour

[0110] 16 front face

[0111] 17 transport projection

[0112] 18 waste collection container

[0113] 19 step

[0114] 20 discount

[0115] 21 first sieve

[0116] 22 first sieving openings

[0117] 23 second sieve

[0118] 24 second sieving openings

[0119] 25 casing

[0120] 26 lid opening

[0121] 27 juice outlet

[0122] 27th juice gate

[0123] 28 waste opening

[0124] 29 bayonet lock

[0125] 30 lid fastening

[0126] 31 grip pieces of 18

[0127] 32 Gear unit 33 Adapter element

[0128] 34 output interface

[0129] 34a axis

[0130] 35 notches

[0131] 36 first axis

[0132] 37 solar wheel

[0133] 38 planetary wheels

[0134] 39 toothed crown

[0135] 40 supported shaft

[0136] 40a retaining rings

[0137] 41 planet carriers

[0138] 42 sliding bearing

[0139] 43 radial seal for shaft

[0140] 44 juice container

[0141] 44a clamping arm

[0142] 45 handle

[0143] 46 32-inch casing

[0144] 46a cylindrical projection of 46

[0145] 47 display device

[0146] 48 outgoing support

[0147] 49 support notch

[0148] 100 control unit

[0149] 101 views

[0150] 102 motor current monitoring

[0151] 103 recognize

[0152] 104 recipe data

[0153] 105 operate engine 7 with a power

[0154] 106 Increase engine power

[0155] R axis of rotation

Claims (16)

1. CLAIMS 1. A juicing module (1) for interacting with a preparation container (3) having at least one rotary tool holder (2), comprising at least one drive interface (8) and at least one juicing tool (9), wherein the juicing tool (9) is connectable to the drive interface (8), such that by rotating the drive interface (8) a rotation of at least a part of the juicing tool (9) can be generated, and wherein the juicing tool (9) comprises at least one guide body (9b) and at least one sieving unit (9a), such that by rotating the drive interface (8) a relative movement can be generated between the guide body (9b) and the sieving unit (9a), and wherein the juicing module (1) is configured to interact with the preparation container (3) by coupling the juicing module (1) onto the preparation container (3). characterized by The guide body (9b) and the sieving unit (9a) are configured and arranged in such a way that, by means of a relative movement between the guide body (9b) and the sieving unit (9a), a food to be squeezed can be guided towards a funnel-shaped slit (14) located between the guide body (9b) and the sieving unit (9a), in order to exert a pressing force on said food. 2. Juicer module (1) according to claim 1, characterized by The guide body (9b) is connectable to the drive interface (8) in such a way that a rotation of the drive interface (8) causes a rotation of the guide body (9b), in particular, that the guide body (9b) has an essentially convex outer contour. 3. Juicer module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The sieving unit (9a) comprises at least a first sieve (21) with first sieving openings (22) and at least a second sieve (23) with second sieving openings (24), in particular, that the first sieve (21) and the second sieve (23) are configured in a conical shape, and that the first sieve (21) can be arranged inside the second sieve (23), preferably that the first sieve (21) and the second sieve (23) can be oriented relative to each other in at least two different positions, and that the overlap between the first sieving openings (22) and the second sieving openings (24) is different in said two orientation positions. 4. Juicer module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by There is at least one housing (25), where the housing (25) comprises at least one lid opening (26), at least one juice outlet (27), at least one waste opening (28) and at least one lid (12), and where the lid opening (26) can be closed by the lid (12), in particular, that between the lid (12) and the housing (25) a snap-fit connection can be formed axially about the rotation axis (R) of the juicing tool (9), for example, by forming a bayonet-type closure (29) between the housing (25) and the lid (12). 5. Juicer module (1) according to claim 4, characterized by The lid (12) has at least one filling tube with a feed funnel (13), the filling tube being arranged so that the food to be squeezed can be introduced between the guide body (9b) and the sieving unit (9a). 6. Juicer module (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by Two lid fixings (30) are provided, the lid (12) being configured to interact with said lid fixings (30), in particular, the lid fixings (30) are designed so that they can only be mounted on the lid (12) when it is completely locked with the housing (25). 7. Juicer module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by At least one waste container (18) is provided, in particular, said waste container (18) has at least one recess on its outer perimeter to interact with at least one projection arranged on an inner wall of the preparation container (3), advantageously, at least one adjustment element is mounted on the waste container (18) to regulate the opening width of a waste opening (28) and/or at least one fixing element is provided, said fixing element being designed to fix the juicer module (1) to a handle (45) of the preparation container (3), to a carrying handle of a cooking appliance base (5) or to a contour of the preparation container (3), or to tension the juicer module (1) against an inner surface of the preparation container (3) by force fit, in order to prevent axial displacement. 8. Juicer module (1) according to claim 7, characterized by The waste container (18) is arranged below the squeezing tool (9), i.e., below the guide body (9b) and the sieving unit (9a). 9. Juicer module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by A juice container (44) is provided, in particular, the juice container (44) can be attached to a waste container (18), advantageously, the juice container (44) is configured so that, in the mounted state, it rests at least partially on a handle (45) of the preparation container (3). 10. Juicer module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by At least one gear unit (32) is provided, wherein the gear unit (32) comprises at least one adapter element (33) for interacting, at least indirectly, with the tool holder (2) of the preparation vessel (3), and at least one output interface (34), and wherein the gear unit (32) is designed to transform a high rotational speed in the adapter element (33) into a reduced rotational speed in the output interface (34), advantageously, the gear unit (32) can be inserted at least partially into the preparation vessel (3) and/or the gear unit (32) comprises at least one housing (46) and at least two gears, preferably, at least one gear is configured as a sun wheel (37) and at least three gears are configured as planet wheels (38), wherein the planet wheels (38) have a larger diameter than the sun wheel (37), and wherein the sun wheel (37) is coupled to the adapter element (33) and the output interface (34) is coupled to the planetary gears (38). 11. Juicer module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by The juicer module (1) is configured to interact by positive fit with the preparation container (3) and/or with the base of the cooking appliance (5). 12. Juicer module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by The guide body (9b) has at least one transport profile (15), in particular, on its outer contour. 13. A cooking appliance (6), comprising at least a cooking appliance base (5), at least one control unit (100), at least one motor (7), at least one preparation container (3), and at least one juicing module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the juicing module (1) being configured to interact with the preparation container (3) by coupling the juicing module (1) onto said preparation container (3), preferably at least two retaining rollers being provided, said retaining rollers being displaceable at least between an open position and a locked position, and at least two lid fixings (30) being available on a lid (12) of the juicing module (1) such that, in the locked state, each lid fixing (30) interacts with a retaining roller, in particular, the control unit (100) is configured at least to emit an error message on a display device when, in the locked position of the rollers retention, the absence of the lid fixings is detected (30). 14. Cooking appliance (6) according to claim 13, characterized by The control unit (100) is configured and designed to, on the basis of recipe data (104), display to the user adjustment parameters related to the juicing tool (9), in particular, with respect to the sieving unit (9a) and/or a waste opening (28), and/or adjustment information relating to the power level of the motor (7). 15. Cooking appliance (6) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by The control unit (100) is designed and configured to display to the user updated adjustment parameters for the juicing tool (9), in particular, relating to the sieving unit (9a) and/or a waste opening (28), on a display unit (47) (101), when an obstruction in the rotation of the juicing tool (9) is detected (103), especially by monitoring (102) the motor current, and/or the control unit (100) is designed and configured to operate the motor (7) during a juicing process with a predetermined motor power, using recipe data (104) (105), in particular, it is designed and configured to increase the power of the motor (7) (106) when an obstruction in the rotation of the juicing tool (9) is detected (103), especially by monitoring the motor current. 16. Preparation container (3) for a cooking appliance (6), comprising at least a rotating tool holder (2) and a juicing module (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, at least partially insertable into the preparation container (3).